My dress was a buttery silk velvet in a soft rose-colored burgundy. It was fitted and full length with a slit up the left side. It had a one-shoulder neckline with one long right sleeve and a side knot, which gave off a beautiful ruffle pattern. Ryan matched me in a burgundy three-piece suit.
The boys wore a simple, fitted black suit while Barron wore a navy blue three-piece.
As we stood around the corner, watching Bailey, Barron's cousin, walk down the aisle, I turned watery eyes at Eden.
She had a serene look as she stood beside her dad.
"Ready to become Mrs. Carter?"
She gave me a shaky smile. "I've been ready since I was thirteen."
The ceremony was outside under a beautiful arch surrounded by Chaste trees. As I walked down the aisle, I caught Simon staring at me with an intense look on his face. It made me blush.
The music changed, and Eden entered on her dad's arm. The crowd gasped, and I couldn't blame them. Eden was stunning. Her dress was an ivory stretch lace. It was in a figure-hugging fit and flare silhouette, off the shoulder, laced sleeves with a scalloped edge.
She had her hair in a beach wave, half up, half down style, and secured with a floral piece that matched her bouquet. Tendrils fell around her face and shoulders. She was an absolute vision. I cried during the dress rehearsal, so it wasn't surprising that tears were streaming again, probably ruining my makeup.
I heard a soft "fuck" and a manly sniff. I peeked at Barron and saw him wiping at his eyes while trying not to take his eyes off Eden. He had a beaming smile on his tear-stained face.
I knew he was feeling a myriad of emotions. He had confessed to me that if he hadn't fucked up as a dumb teenager, they would be married with kids by now. Knowing that Eden was his and he got to fulfill his dream - a few years late - I knew he was releasing a torrent of relief.
Eden kissed her dad before Barron eagerly stepped forward to guide her to him. I sighed with the audience when he cupped her face and placed his forehead against hers in reverence.
The celebrant cleared his throat, and they took their places so the vows could begin. My eyes drifted to Simon, who was still staring at me. I stuck my tongue out briefly at him, trying to cut the sexual pull between us. He gave a silent chuckle and winked.
Wedding photos were taken just as the sun was setting. Eden insisted Simon and I take a picture together, sans the rest of the party. I laughed in delight when he dipped me and planted a scorching kiss on my mouth.
The reception was held on private land, so we could party as loud and for as long as we wanted. After I had spent what felt like an hour straight on the dance floor, I spotted Francine sitting alone and went to join her. Adorably, Simon brought her as his plus one.
She smiled as we watched Simon dance with his mom.
"He's such a good boy," Francine said.
Yes, he was definitely a good boy. But he was going to be her bad boy tonight.
"He's a good son," I agreed.
"Do you get on well with his parents?"
I smiled. "Yeah, they're great, actually."
After the rocky start to our first dinner, his parents now loved me. Especially his mom. She even sent me links to websites to get my opinion on wedding outfits for her.
"I don't want to upstage the bride," she told me. I had burst into laughter - until I realized she was serious.
I now knew where Simon got his arrogant confidence from.
The other thing she and I had in common was a love of art galleries. She was pushing me to visit The Met with her. There was an upcoming exhibit I wanted to see, but I needed to talk to Simon about our relationship first. No point in planning for the future if he wasn't on the same level as me.
"Have I told you how utterly ravishing you look tonight?"
I turned to Simon as he sidled up to me. I was in the corner watching Eden, and Barron slow dance with a glassy smile on my face.
"I got the message when you felt me up behind the barn."
He laughed, putting his arms around me and pulling me close for a kiss.
"Wanna get out of here?"
